Victoria Stokes
Minister ID: 1394216 View Ordination Certificate
Lauren & Carl's Love Story
The Wedding of Lauren Soorus & Carl Markham
Officiated by Victoria Stokes at Garland County Courthouse in Hot Springs, Arkansas on August 4th, 2026.
ABOUT THIS WEDDING
"Lauren and Carl chose a simple courthouse lawn ceremony, reminding me that a beautiful wedding isn't measured by how much is spent, but by the love two people share. Before the ceremony, I was able to surprise Lauren with a dress that had been hanging unworn in my closet for years. She wore it with a white shawl and carried a small bouquet, transforming an ordinary Tuesday morning into a beautiful beginning. Standing beneath the trees outside the Garland County Courthouse, they promised their lives to one another, exchanged vows using the matching tattoos on their ring fingers in place of traditional wedding bands, shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and left with smiles, photographs, and a few keepsakes to remember the day. It was a simple wedding, filled with kindness, hope, and the reminder that every love story deserves to be celebrated. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Markham! Wishing you a lifetime of love and strength together. đź’ś"
-Victoria Stokes
WEDDING PHOTOS
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Lauren Soorus And Carl Markham’s Wedding Wedding Ceremony Script
## Lauren & Carl’s Courthouse Lawn Ceremony
**Victoria:**
Lauren and Carl, today does not need to be elaborate to be important.
Your story began when you were living in the same boarding house. Carl knew what he wanted and spent a year pursuing Lauren, even while she insisted he did not have much of a chance.
Lauren told him, “I’m gay.”
And Carl answered, “You’ve just never had a good man.”
Somehow, through all of that persistence, honesty, and determination, the two of you found your way here.
Life has recently given you reasons not to wait. So today, you are choosing each other clearly, simply, and without putting off what matters.
Please join hands.
Carl, do you take Lauren to be your wife, to love her, care for her, stand beside her, and share your life with her from this day forward?
**Carl:** I do.
Lauren, do you take Carl to be your husband, to love him, care for him, stand beside him, and share your life with him from this day forward?
**Lauren:** I do.
### Vows
Carl, please repeat after me:
Lauren, I choose you.
I promise to love you,
to stand beside you,
and to face life with you.
From this day forward,
you are my wife.
Lauren, please repeat after me:
Carl, I choose you.
I promise to love you,
to stand beside you,
and to face life with you.
From this day forward,
you are my husband.
### Their Rings
Lauren and Carl already carry matching rings with them every day, tattooed onto their ring fingers.
Today, the crosses mark the promises they are making here. Later, they plan to transform those crosses into roses—a reminder that love can grow, change, and become something new while remaining part of the same story.
Lauren and Carl, may those marks always remind you that you chose each other, not only for this moment, but for everything still ahead.
### Pronouncement
Lauren and Carl, you have made your promises and declared your intention to share your lives together.
By the authority vested in me by the State of Arkansas, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Carl, you may kiss your bride.
It is my honor to introduce **Mr. and Mrs. Lauren and Carl Markham.**
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